Top Comic Reprintings of 2008
Customer Bryan Hollerbach has told me on repeat occasions that we are currently experiencing an "…embrassment of riches…" when it comes to comic reissues. I could not agree more. An amazing array of classic comics saw print again in 2008 from a wopping three "Terry and the Pirates" volumes to a omnibus containing Scott McCloud's work on his 1980s series "Zot!" I think any fan of sequential art would have a hard time not finding a reprint collection released in '08 they would enjoy.
One of my favorite books I read this year is, without a doubt, the first hardcover collection of Osamu Tezuka's "Black Jack." You may remember my blogging about "Black Jack" back in October and I stand by my opinion that "Black Jack" is one of the most amazing mangas on the shelves. Vertical's Direct Market exclusive hardcover edition not only is well designed but also contains a bonus story that is well worth the added cost. Recently, volume two has been released and it only reaffirms Black Jack's place in the cannon of great manga.
My love of "Black Jack" is a pleasant surprise given my childhood feelings on the manga. I am also caught off guard by how much I enjoyed reading IDW's "Complete Little Orphan Annie" Vol. 1. While the book is not as well designed as the "Black Jack" collections and possesses an awkward size to handle, I really liked reading Annie's adventures. While I have dug the collections of old newspaper strips in the past, I have found the shear volume of content seen in them to be generally overwhelming. With Annie, however, I find that I can blast my way through chapters with ease. Previously, I had found Peanuts to be the only strip that I could read so effortlessly. It is creator Harold Gray's combination of depression era melodrama and comedy with expert cartooning that make Little Orphan Annie a breeze to read.
Another comic creator that I have never had any trouble reading is Jack Kirby. His dynamic and groundbreaking work has made him a comic legend and DC Comics has really capitalized on that reputation in 2008. Not only did they conclude their series collecting the epic classic "Fourth World," but they released similar books for Kirby creations "O.M.A.C." and "The Demon." All of these books pack a punch that just isn't found in superhero comics these days. For Kirby, every tale is an epic and delivers an exciting read. The books have a design that really captures the spirit of Kirby's work and are printed on a paper that really does suits the Kings work.
For my money, the above books were 2008's best comic reissues, but I'm sure that it wouldn't be hard to select an army of worth competitors from the other ones released in '08. Regardless, the last year has really shown what treasures that can be unearthed from comic's past.
-Nick
One of my favorite books I read this year is, without a doubt, the first hardcover collection of Osamu Tezuka's "Black Jack." You may remember my blogging about "Black Jack" back in October and I stand by my opinion that "Black Jack" is one of the most amazing mangas on the shelves. Vertical's Direct Market exclusive hardcover edition not only is well designed but also contains a bonus story that is well worth the added cost. Recently, volume two has been released and it only reaffirms Black Jack's place in the cannon of great manga.
My love of "Black Jack" is a pleasant surprise given my childhood feelings on the manga. I am also caught off guard by how much I enjoyed reading IDW's "Complete Little Orphan Annie" Vol. 1. While the book is not as well designed as the "Black Jack" collections and possesses an awkward size to handle, I really liked reading Annie's adventures. While I have dug the collections of old newspaper strips in the past, I have found the shear volume of content seen in them to be generally overwhelming. With Annie, however, I find that I can blast my way through chapters with ease. Previously, I had found Peanuts to be the only strip that I could read so effortlessly. It is creator Harold Gray's combination of depression era melodrama and comedy with expert cartooning that make Little Orphan Annie a breeze to read.
Another comic creator that I have never had any trouble reading is Jack Kirby. His dynamic and groundbreaking work has made him a comic legend and DC Comics has really capitalized on that reputation in 2008. Not only did they conclude their series collecting the epic classic "Fourth World," but they released similar books for Kirby creations "O.M.A.C." and "The Demon." All of these books pack a punch that just isn't found in superhero comics these days. For Kirby, every tale is an epic and delivers an exciting read. The books have a design that really captures the spirit of Kirby's work and are printed on a paper that really does suits the Kings work.
For my money, the above books were 2008's best comic reissues, but I'm sure that it wouldn't be hard to select an army of worth competitors from the other ones released in '08. Regardless, the last year has really shown what treasures that can be unearthed from comic's past.
-Nick
posted by Star Clipper at Monday, December 29, 2008
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